Wood River Valley

The Wood River Valley is a region in south-central Idaho located in Blaine County. The valley has four incorporated cities. Bellevue, Hailey (county seat of Blaine County), Ketchum and Sun Valley. It is often considered part of the larger Magic Valley region, but differs from it economically due to its strong ties to the tourism industry and less of a dependence on agriculture than that seen in the southern Magic Valley proper. It also differs from the southern Magic Valley in its politics; it is the most politically liberal area in Idaho, and usually elects Democrats to the Idaho State Senate and House of Representatives.

The Wood River Valley is home to the famous Sun Valley Resort in the north end of the valley. The region also includes large portions of the Sawtooth National Forest and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).

The region is named for the Big Wood River, which flows through the area.

Coordinates: 43°30′53″N 114°18′22″W / 43.51472°N 114.30611°W / 43.51472; -114.30611

State of Idaho
Boise (capital)
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Famous quotes containing the words wood, river and/or valley:

    “After sitting in my chamber many days, reading the poets, I have been out early on a foggy morning and heard the cry of an owl in a neighboring wood as from a nature behind the common, unexplored by science or by literature.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    “We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    “To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.”
    —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)